The misuse of extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioids is a major public health problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the following:

In 2011, almost 17,000 Americans died of drug overdose involving opioid analgesics.

1 in 20 high school seniors reports abusing OxyContin.

The FDA approved a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for ER/LA opioid medications on July 9, 2012. The CO*RE/ASAMER/LA Opioid REMS: Achieving Safe Use While Improving Patient Care course was developed by nationally renowned experts from Collaborative for REMS Education (CO*RE) and incorporates all six units defined by the FDA blueprint for REMS education. ASAM also provides a unit addressing ER/LA opioids and addiction.

This is a recorded tapping from the 3rd Annual Community Mental Health Summit, sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center in partnership with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the West Central Alabama Area Health Education Center (AHEC), and the Alabama-Mississippi Public Health Training Center. While content may continue to be relevant, CEUs are no longer being offered for this course.

Describe appropriate patient assessment for treatment with ER/LA opioid analgesics, evaluating risks and potential benefits of ER/LA therapy, as well as possible misuse.

Apply proper methods to initiate therapy, modify dose, and discontinue use of ER/LA opioid analgesics, applying best practices including accurate dosing and conversion techniques, as well as appropriate discontinuation strategies.

Demonstrate accurate knowledge about how to manage ongoing therapy with ER/LA opioid analgesics and properly use evidence-based tools while assessing for adverse effects.

Employ methods to counsel patients and caregivers about the safe use of ER/LA opioid analgesics, including proper storage and disposal.

Presented by ASAM, a member of the Collaborative on REMS Education (CO*RE), 10 interdisciplinary organizations working together to improve pain management and prevent adverse outcomes.

RPC Commercial Support Disclosure Statement

This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies. Please see this link for a listing of the member companies. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS education requirements issued by the US Food & Drug Administration.